global ocean productivity

Global ocean productivity refers to the rate at which marine plants and algae, especially phytoplankton, produce organic matter through photosynthesis. It reflects how much food is generated in the oceans, supporting marine ecosystems and influencing Earth's climate. Factors like sunlight, nutrient availability, and water temperature affect productivity levels. High productivity areas, such as upwelling zones, are rich in marine life, while low productivity regions contribute less to global biomass. Understanding ocean productivity helps us grasp ocean health, carbon cycling, and the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems.